Frequently Asked Questions on our Products

Ultralight

Ultralight 403

Why should I attach a motor to a canoe or kayak?

A motor attached to a kayak doesn't restrict performance but helps when necessary to paddle against the current when your arms become tired. The Ultralight 403 can extend your range enormously and allows you to even take the occasional break without losing momentum.

What types of boat is the Ultralight suitable for?

The Ultralight 403 is suitable for canoes, kayaks and very light boats.

How powerful is the Ultralight?

The Ultralight 403 is a 1 HP equivalent outboard.

What does the outboard weigh?

The total weight of the Ultralight 403 including battery is 7.3 kg.

How do you mount the Ultralight?

There are four mounting options available.

Use with Hobie kayaks: we recommend the Hobie "eVolve" product (available from Hobie dealers).

Use with Grabner kayaks: please use the Grabner mounting kit.

Use with Prijon kayaks: please use the Prijon rudder mounting.

Use with all other makes: the Ultralight 403 can be mounted on just about any boat using the mounting ball provided.

If you have a lightweight boat with transom, please take a look at our Travel 1003/503 outboard.

How do you steer the Ultralight?

The Ultralight 403 can be connected to your kayak's steering system.

To lock the motor, insert the locking pin into the upper clamping ring at the desired position. This locks the steering function and you can steer as usual using your paddle.

If you wish, you can pull the outboard out of the water and attach it using the line while you paddle. And of course, when you are navigating very shallow water, too.

Is the Ultralight waterproof?

Completely waterproof. Like all motors and batteries from Torqeedo, the Ultralight 403 also offers protection class IP67, which means immersion at a depth of 1 m for up to 30 minutes without suffering any damage.

Should you capsize, the Ultralight 403 also has capsize protection as a standard safety feature that cuts off the motor automatically.

What type of battery is used?

When it comes to battery technology, Torqeedo relies exclusively on lithium batteries. The specification of the integrated battery provides a capacity of 320 Wh, i.e. 11 Ah at 29.6 V.

How far can you travel with one battery charge?

The range generally depends on a number of factors such as speed and type of boat. If you travel slowly (4.2 km/h) you can cover up to 42 km, i.e. one battery charge will last up to 10 hours. You can travel for up to 4 hours at a speed of 6.2 km, and at full throttle the battery charge will last 48 minutes.

How do you know how far you can still cover with the battery charge?

The integrated on-board computer with GPS will keep you up to date via the display on the remote throttle at all times with information on remaining range, speed over ground, battery charge status and input power. If you reduce speed you will automatically increase your range.

What are the advantages of having a second battery on board?

The battery is very light, weighing only 2.9 kg, but doubles the running time.

How is the battery charged and how long does charging take?

When the battery is completely discharged it takes approx. 12 hours to fully recharge it with the charger supplied. Torqeedo's fast charger for the Ultralight 403 will charge the battery in 4 hours. And you can also charge it from the sun quite simply – plug & charge – even when underway on the water. The 45 W solar charger from Torqeedo is an optional extra.

Can the Ultralight motors be powered direct from a solar panel?

Yes. With the Torqeedo 45 W solar charger, the batteries of the Ultralight 403 can be easily powered from natural resources wherever you are – even when you are travelling on the water and at full speed. You can thus travel at a maximum power input of up to 45 watts without emptying the battery. At higher motor performance, the battery charge will decrease correspondingly. You can even travel slowly when the battery is empty.

Please note that other solar panels may not be attached to the Ultralight 403.

What is the life expectancy of the battery?

The life expectancy of a lithium battery does not really depend on the charging cycles. It is not subject to memory effect, either, i.e. you can fully charge it after each trip irrespective of the charge status shown in the display.

Generally speaking, a capacity loss of approx. 4 % per year is to be expected. Capacity loss will, however, accelerate if the battery is permanently exposed to heat.

While there are no concerns about using the battery in high temperatures, we recommend that you take the battery out of the sun and store it in a cool place after use. Your battery must be returned to a Torqeedo Service Center for service 8 years after the date of manufacture.

The TorqTrac app transfers information about the motor and battery to your smartphone or tablet. It provides a clear visual representation, indicates remaining range on maps, includes waypoints, allows trip logging as well as eco logging and a offers a whole lot more. And all that via a simple Bluetooth connection.

Your Torqeedo dealer will be happy to supply the Bluetooth transmitter required to use the TorqTrac app.

What about maintenance?

Ultralight 403 outboards are designed to operate with a minimum of maintenance. And of course there's no such thing as an oil change.

The motor should always be taken out of the water after use. This can be done using the tilting mechanism.

After use in salt water or brackish water it is advisable to rinse all components off with fresh water.

Dry the motor and store it in the waterproof bag (don't seal the bag air-tight when storing for an extended period).

The electronic contacts should be treated with contact spray once a month, and please check the cables for damage every now and again.

Please ensure that bearings on the universal joint and the shaft sheath are clean.

You can use any cleaning agent suitable for plastics in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions in order to clean the motor. Generally available cockpit sprays produce a good effect on the plastic surface of the Torqeedo Ultralight.

The battery must be charged after use once the charge level falls below 50 %. Please note that we recommend a charge level of at least 50 % if you are storing the battery for up to 6 months and a charge level of 100 % for any period over 6 months. If you intend storing the battery over several years, you should check the charge level at least once per year.

The shaft sealant ring must be replaced every 5 years. Please contact an authorised Service Center in this case.

What is the warranty?

The warranty is 2 years from date of purchase.

Please retain your proof of purchase. If service becomes necessary within the warranty period, we will require a copy of the original invoice indicating the date of purchase.

Travel

Travel 1003 / 503

What type of boats do you recommend the Travel for?

The Travel 1003 propels tenders, dinghies and daysailers up to 1.5 tons. We recommend the Travel 503 for inflatables, dinghies and sailboats up to 750 kg.

What are the advantages of the Travel 1003 compared to a petrol outboard?

As a 3 HP equivalent with integrated lithium battery, the Travel 1003 is ahead of everything else in its performance class – not just because it is more efficient and has a greater maximum range than comparable combustion engines, but also because it is quieter, more convenient and better for the environment. Moreover, the total cost of ownership is lower.

What does the Travel 1003 weigh?

Without its lithium battery, the short-shaft version of the practical Travel 1003 weighs just 8.9 kg while the long-shaft version weighs 9.5 kg. It is therefore a lot simpler to handle than petrol outboards in this class that easily weigh 17 kg or more. And even with the battery, the Travel still remains a lightweight with its 13.4 kg (S)/14 kg (L).

Is the Travel waterproof?

Completely waterproof. Like all motors and batteries from Torqeedo, the Travel 1003/503 also offers protection class IP67, which means immersion at a depth of 1 m for up to 30 minutes without suffering any damage.

What is the difference between the Travel 503 and the Travel 1003?

The Travel 1003 delivers more power (503: 1.5 HP equivalent; 1003: 3 HP equivalent), achieves a higher speed (503: up to 4 kn; 1003: up to 5 kn) and has a greater battery capacity (503: 320 Wh; 1003: 532 Wh). The Travel 503 is recommended for boats up to 750 kg while the Travel 1003 propels up to 1.5 tons. The differences between the 503 and 1003 in terms of size and weight are negligible.

How are the models of the first Travel generation – the 400/401 and 800/801 – compatible with each other?

The 401 and 801(or 400 and 800) models aren't 100 % compatible.

The Travel 400 can only operate with a battery for the 400.

On the other hand, you can use the battery from a Travel 801 for the Travel 401 and Travel 800.

Should you choose a combination that doesn't work together, the motor won't run but it won't suffer damage.

Note: The charger for the Travel 801 must not be connected to a Travel 401 battery.

Is it possible to connect a remote throttle to the Travel 1003/503?

Yes. You can attach a remote throttle to the Travel instead of the tiller. This allows the outboard to be operated when it is hard to reach, e.g. when mounted on the stern. The remote throttle can be fastened with screws or attached to the boat using hook and loop tape (Scotch 3M Dual-Lock). The remote throttle (Art. no. 1918-00) comes with a 1.5 m and 5 m connecting cable.

If you use the remote throttle with the Travel, you can fasten the steering by attaching the locking pin underneath the battery to the point intended for this. This locks the shaft head to the transom bracket and the motor will now propel the boat just straight ahead.

Can the travel models be charged direct from a generator?

You can charge the battery used in the Travel models from a 12 V on-board power system direct (boat/car) using a cable connector. The 12 V can also be come from a generator. Please use the Torqeedo charger or our fast charger in the case of a 110V/230V generator for models up to 2014.

Are there ways of attaching the Travel without a typical transom (e.g. at the side of a boat)?

Yes. You can obtain the special brackets that you need for this from a specialist dealer, or ask your boatbuilder about a possible source.

What type of battery is used for the Travel?

When it comes to battery technology, Torqeedo relies exclusively on lithium batteries.

The specification of the integrated battery for the Travel 1003 battery provides a capacity of 532 Wh, which means 18 Ah at 29.6 V. The battery of the Travel 503 provides a capacity of 320 Wh, or 11 Ah at 29.6 V.

What is the life expectancy of the battery?

The life expectancy of a lithium battery does not really depend on the charging cycles. It is not subject to memory effect, either, i.e. you can fully charge it after each trip irrespective of the charge status shown in the display.

Generally speaking, a capacity loss of approx. 4 % per year is to be expected with lithium batteries. Capacity loss will, however, accelerate if the battery is permanently exposed to heat.

While there there are no concerns about using the battery in high temperatures, we recommend that you take the battery out of the sun and store it in a cool place after use. Your battery must be returned to a Torqeedo Service Centre for service 8 years after the date of manufacture.

How is the battery charged and how long does charging take?

Models up to 2014: It will take about 15 hours to charge a completely discharged Travel 1003 battery using the charger supplied and about 9 hours for the Travel 503 .

The Torqeedo fast charger for the Travel will charge a Travel 1003 battery in 6 hours and a Travel 503 battery in 4 hours. And you can also use the sun to charge your battery quite simply – plug & charge – even when underway on the water. The solar charger is an optional extra.

Models from 2015: It will take about 7 hours to charge a completely discharged Travel 1003 battery using the charger supplied and about 5 hours for the Travel 503 . And you can also use the sun to charge your battery quite simply – plug & charge – even when underway on the water. The 50 W solar charger is an optional extra.

Are there plans to offer an adapter for lead batteries for the Travel?

No. There are no plans for such an adapter.

Can I connect the Travel to an on-board power system?

The batteries for both Travel models can be charged from a 12 V on-board power system – even during a voyage.

Can the motors be powered direct from a solar panel?

With the Torqeedo 45 W solar charger, the batteries of the Travel models can be easily powered from natural resources wherever you are – even when you are travelling on the water and at full speed. You can thus travel at a maximum power input of up to 45 watts without emptying the battery. At higher motor performance, the battery charge will decrease correspondingly. You can even travel slowly when the battery is empty.

The 50 W solar charger is an additional solar charging option for the Travel models. It is lighter, smaller and easier to handle than the previous solar charger. The high-performance solar cells can not only supply fresh power to the batteries of the Travel models but also to all other 12-volt electric devices.

How far can you travel with one battery charge?

The range generally depends on various factors such as speed and type of boat.

If you travel slowly (1.5 to 2 knots) you can cover up to 20 nautical miles with the Travel 1003, or put another way, the battery charge will last over 10 hours. You can travel for up to 3 hours 20 minutes at a speed of 2.5 to 3 knots, and at full throttle the battery charge will last 35 minutes.

The Travel 503 will run for over 6 hours when travelling slowly, or you can open up full throttle for a good 40 minutes.

How do you know how far you can still cover with the battery charge?

The integrated on-board computer with GPS will keep you up to date via the display on the tiller at all times with information on remaining range, speed over ground, battery charge status and input power. Reducing your speed will automatically increase your range and running time exponentially.

Can you give examples for range and speed for certain types of boat?

It is generally difficult to provide concrete details for specific types of boat as various factors such as current, wind, number of people on board etc. can have a significant influence on speed.

Examples for the Travel 1003:

Tonic 23, 2.2 tons: Vmax 3.9 kn, range at 100 W: 10 nm

H-Boot, 1.8 tons: Vmax 4.2 kn, range at 100 W: 9 nm

VA18, 1.1 tons: Vmax 3.7 kn, range at 100 W: 11 nm

Examples for the Travel 503:

Varianta 65, 1.3 tons: Vmax 3.2 kn, range at 100W: 5.8 nm

H-Boot, 1.8 tons: Vmax 3.4 kn, range at 100W: 6.2 nm

VA18, 1.1 tons: Vmax 3.1 kn; range at 100 W: 5.1 nm

Zodiac YL 240, 40 kg: Vmax 4.2 kn, range at 100 W: 13.3 nm

What are the advantages of having a second battery on board?

The integrated battery is very light, weighing a mere 4 kg (Travel 503) or 4.5 kg (Travel 1003) – so taking along a replacement doesn't mean additional ballast but double the running time. And swapping the batteries involves just a few easy steps.

What does deep discharge protection mean? How does deep discharge protection work?

The electronics go into deep sleep mode and thus require very little energy. This function is known as deep discharge protection. However, you still have to check your battery at regular intervals when it is in deep sleep mode since it is impossible to prevent the cells from auto-discharging owing to their chemical properties. Even if the battery discharges only very slowly in deep sleep mode, it will still require regular recharging.

Do Travel batteries switch off automatically?

Yes, the Travel's battery switches off automatically and goes into deep sleep mode.

Can I leave the charger attached during storage?

That would be no problem from a technical point of view but it is not advisable as it would cause the voltage to remain high, and the cells would age faster as a result.

Both models can be installed in a shaft. Use the extension cable and the remote throttle for this purpose. The propeller can run freely when under sail, but this will result in gear noise. The battery extension cable allows the battery to be located up to 2 m away from the motor, e.g. in the stowage locker. The motor should always be lifted out of the water after use.

You can use the motor cable extension to connect the Ultralight 403 and Travel 1003/503 models.

What shaft lengths are available?

Both Travel models are available with 2 lengths of shaft. When measured from the transom to the centre of the propeller, the short shaft version is 62.5 cm long, while the long shaft version measures 75.5 cm.

The shaft on Torqeedo outboards is longer than on petrol-driven outboards owing to the larger, more efficient propeller, but the motors are used for the same areas of application.

The short shaft version is chosen for most inflatables and the long shaft is preferred for most, but by no means all, sailboats. The general rule of thumb is that the top of the propeller should be 3-5 cm below the bottom of the boat.

Can the shaft be shortened/modified?

No, as this would void all warranty coverage. However, transom attachments and transom lift devices are available from specialist dealers to help vary the length of the shaft. We also offer each Travel model with different shaft lengths.

Do I need a registration number for an inflatable with a Travel 1003?

The motor performance of the Travel 1003 is 1 kW. You do not need a registration number for the motor on inland waterways. However, there are local registration and display obligations related to a boat's size (e.g. length over 2.5 m). It is advisable to contact your local waterways and shipping office or administrative district office for more information.

The TorqTrac app transfers information about the motor and battery to your smartphone or tablet. It provides a clear visual representation, indicates remaining range on maps, includes waypoints, allows trip logging as well as eco logging and a offers a whole lot more. And all that via a simple Bluetooth connection.

Your Torqeedo dealer will be happy to supply the Bluetooth transmitter required to use the TorqTrac app.

What about maintenance?

Travel outboards are designed to operate with a minimum of maintenance. The seals should be replaced every 5 years. And of course there's no such thing as an oil change.

The motor should always be taken out of the water after use. This can be done using the tilting mechanism.

After use in salt water or brackish water it is advisable to rinse all components off with fresh water.

Always store the motor in a dry state.

You can use any generally available cleaning agent in order to clean the Travel motor, and you can use cockpit spray for the plastic surfaces.

Grease the threads of the clamping screws occasionally and spray the moving parts of the transom bracket with WD-40.

The battery must be charged after use once the charge level falls below 50 %. Please note that we recommend a charge level of at least 50 % if you are storing the battery for up to 6 months and a charge level of 100 % for any period over 6 months. If you intend storing the battery over several years, you should check the charge level at least once per year.

The shaft sealant ring must be replaced every 5 years. Please contact an authorised Service Center in this case.

What is the warranty?

The warranty is 2 years from date of purchase.

Please retain your proof of purchase. If service becomes necessary within the warranty period, we will require a copy of the original invoice indicating the date of purchase.

Cruise

Cruise R/T

What are the advantages of a Cruise outboard compared to a petrol outboard?

As a 5 to 8 HP equivalent, the Cruise 2.0/4.0 is ahead of everything else in its performance class – not just because it is more efficient and has a greater maximum range than comparable combustion engines, but also because it is quieter, more convenient and better for the environment.

Moreover, the total cost of ownership is lower.

What different Cruise models are available?

Both models – Cruise 2.0 and 4.0 – come with either a tiller (Cruise T for tiller) or remote throttle (Cruise R for remote throttle). The Cruise R can also be fitted as a twin-motor version: Twin Cruise 2.0/4.0.

Which Cruise model is the right one for my boat?

All Cruise models are suitable for inflatables and other small boats. For dinghies and sailboats up to 3 tons, we recommend the Cruise 2.0. The Cruise 4.0 easily propels up to 4 tons. We recommend a Twin installation for boats over 4 tons.

How powerful is Cruise?

The Cruise 2.0 is a 5 HP equivalent and can propel up to 3 tons while the Cruise 4.0, as an 8 PS equivalent, can easily manage up to 4 tons.

What does a Cruise outboard weigh?

The Cruise 2.0 T with short shaft weighs only 17.5 kg, while the long-shaft version weighs18.4 kg.

The Cruise 2.0 R with a short shaft weighs 16 kg, or 16.9 kg with the long shaft.

Depending on the length of shaft, the Cruise 4.0 T weighs in at 18.3 kg or 19.2 kg respectively.

And the Cruise 4.0 R with short shaft weighs 16.8 kg, or 17.7 kg with the long shaft.

Is the Cruise waterproof? Does that also apply to the Power 26-104?

Both are 100 % waterproof. As with all other motors and batteries from Torqeedo, the Cruise 2.0 R/T and 4.0 R/T as well as the Power 26-104 offer protection class IP67, which means immersion at a depth of 1 m for up to 30 minutes without suffering any damage.

The integrated on-board computer – in the remote throttle of the Cruise R and the tiller of the Cruise T – analyses and combines information from the motor, batteries and GPS to provide data on remaining range, speed over ground, battery charge status and input power. Motor consumption and GPS speed are always exact.

When the Cruise is operated with the Power 26-104, the information on the battery is also exact because both products communicate with each other, which is very convenient.

If the Cruise is operated with other batteries, the charge status indicator (and with it the remaining range indicator) is based on estimates derived from battery information that has to be entered in the system's setup menu.

Can a 24 V motor also be operated with a 12 V battery?

No. You need a nominal voltage of 24 volts. You can achieve this by connecting 2 x 12 V batteries in series.

Can the Cruise operate direct from a solar panel?

No. Direct operation from a solar panel or generator is not possible. A bank of batteries must always be connected between them. However, if you operate the Cruise with the Torqeedo Power 26-104 battery, you can use the Torqeedo solar charge controller, which allows the Power 26-104 to be safely charged using solar power from a solar module available from specialist retailers.

Can you power a Cruise motor with a generator?

No. The Cruise outboard may not be operated from a generator direct. A bank of batteries must always be connected between them. However, the Torqeedo Power 26-104 battery can be charged from a generator if the Torqeedo 350 W or 1200 W charger is connected between them.

Are there different shaft lengths?

The Cruise 2.0 and 4.0 R/T are available in 2 shaft lengths. When measured from the transom to the centre of the propeller, the short shaft version is 62.5 cm long, while the long shaft version measures 75.5 cm.

The shaft on Torqeedo outboards is longer than on petrol-driven outboards owing to the larger, more efficient propeller, but the motors are used for the same areas of application.

The short shaft version is generally preferred for most fishing boats and dinghies

The general rule of thumb is that the top of the propeller should be 3-5 cm below the bottom of the boat.

Why do the Cruise 2.0 and 4.0 deliver different performance with the same propeller and same motor speeds?

Owing to the difference in torque.

Why is different thrust indicated for Cruise 2.0 and Cruise 4.0 when they have the same motor speed and same propeller?

Owing to the difference in torque.

Is there an anti-cavitation plate for the Cruise R/T?

Torqeedo is not currently planning to provide an anti-cavitation plate. However, specialist retailers offer anti-cavitation plates for retrofitting.

How high is cable power dissipation?

Torqeedo cable connections and sets must cope with peak currents of over 80 amperes. For example, a Cruise 2.0 with input power of 2,000 W and voltage of 24 V carries a current of around 83 amperes. For this reason, Torqeedo has designed the cable connections and sets with a cross-sectional area of 25 mm². With a cable length of five metres between motor and battery, this will result in power dissipation of approximately 17 W. In the case of the Cruise 2.0 this corresponds to a loss of 0.8 percent of total power and 3.4 W per metre of cable. Minimising power dissipation in this way ensures higher efficiency of the overall system and provides added safety since the risk of local overheating rises with higher losses.

You can find an overview on our website under "Technology".

Is it possible to equip an older Cruise 2.0 model with a remote throttle as well?

That is unfortunately not possible.

Is it possible to equip the latest Cruise T model with a remote throttle as well?

The Cruise T can be operated with a remote throttle. Please note that this model provides no connection for remote steering.

Is it possible to equip the Cruise R with a tiller as well?

No. Select our Cruise T model with integrated tiller if you wish to have a Cruise with a tiller. Retrofitting is unfortunately not possible.

What accessories are available for the Cruise?

Power 26-104 – at least one for the Cruise 2.0 R/T, at least two for the Cruise 4.0 R/T (Art. no. 2103-00)

The TorqTrac app transfers information about the motor and battery to your smartphone or tablet. It provides a clear visual representation, indicates remaining range on maps, includes waypoints, allows trip logging as well as eco logging and a offers a whole lot more. And all that via a simple Bluetooth connection.

Your Torqeedo dealer will be happy to supply the Bluetooth transmitter required to use the TorqTrac app.

The motor(s) should always be taken out of the water after use. This can be done using the tilting mechanism.

After use in salt water or brackish water it is advisable to rinse all components off with fresh water.

Always store the motor(s) in a dry state.

Grease the threads of the clamping screws occasionally and spray the moving parts of the transom bracket with WD-40.

Maintain the contacts of the Cruise cable sets, including the data plug connectors, at regular intervals.

We recommend that you lubricate the area between the remote throttle lever and the remote throttle casing occasionally (using e.g. WD-40 or Wetprotect) in order to ensure the lasting free movement of the throttle lever.

You can use any cleaning agent suitable for plastics in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions in order to clean the motor. Generally available cockpit sprays produce a good effect on the plastic surface of the Torqeedo Cruise.

What are the servicing intervals for the Cruise?

Cruise R/T up to 2014: every 2 years or after 300 hours of operation, depending on which comes first.

Cruise R/T from 2015: every 5 years or after 700 hours of operation, depending on which comes first.

What is the warranty?

There is a 2-year warranty on the Cruise from the date of purchase.

Please retain your proof of purchase. If service becomes necessary within the warranty period, we will require a copy of the original invoice indicating the date of purchase.

Batteries

Batteries

What steps must I take when storing Travel or Ultralight rechargeable batteries (with regard to temperature and charge level)?

You should take the following steps when storing your batteries:

The battery should have a charge level of 20-40 % when stored over an extended period. Please check regularly to ensure that the current remains above 21 V in order to avoid deep discharge.

When a battery is stored for several years, its charge level should be checked at least once a year and it should be recharged to prevent deep discharge.

Note: different guidelines apply to the Travel 801. The storage charge level should by 100 % when stored for approx. six months. If you wish to store your Travel 801 for longer than six months, you must recharge it every six months.

The battery should be fully recharged to 100 % following several months of storage in order to calibrate the charge level display (a 99 % charge is not sufficient for calibration).

The optimum temperature for storage for more than 3 months is 5-15° C (40-60° F).

Can I connect the charger to the mains while I'm drawing current from the battery?

What about battery life expectancy, charging cycles and capacity loss?

Power 26-104 – cycles and life expectancy: 800 cycles at 100% depth of discharge at 25° C result in a capacity loss of approx. 25 %

Travel 1003 / 503: a lithium-ion battery is very insusceptible to the effect of cycles (one cycle = discharging and charging once). The cells lose about 20 % of their capacity after 500 times their capacity has been used (e.g. after 500 times 100 % discharge or after 1,000 times 50 % discharge or after 2,000 times 25 % discharge). However, these indications of life expectancy only apply to normal conditions (especially with regard to ambient temperatures of approx. 20° C).

What is more important for the life expectancy of your battery than the number of cycles is that it is not exposed to excessive heat. It should therefore be kept in a cool place when stored over long periods.

Can Torqeedo batteries only be charged with Torqeedo chargers?

For safety reasons, only a device inspected and approved by Torqeedo may be used, as otherwise damage to the battery or to the charger may result. This would void all warranty coverage.

What are the benefits of lithium batteries? Why doesn't Torqeedo use any lithium polymer (LiPo) batteries?

The high specific energy density and the fact that lithium batteries maintain a high current are of great significance for use in boat drive systems. First, they reduce on-board battery weight and volume and, second, the lithium-based battery systems ensure that the supply voltage does not drop even though electric boat motors draw intermittently high levels of current.

Another benefit is the fact that lithium batteries are not susceptible to memory effects and are cyclically stable. Unlike conventional lead batteries, they hardly lose their charge even when stored for several months.

Besides performance, safety plays an important role for lithium batteries. In our view, five influencing factors need to be considered in order to ensure that safe really means safe:

Safe, individual cell packaging: Torqeedo only uses so-called safety cells, i.e. uses only welded steel cylinders each of which is equipped with multiple hardware safety mechanisms. Other forms of packaging such as foil-sealed cells (also called "coffee bags") offer no effective safety as they afford less effective protection against internal short circuiting of the cells. (An exception here are cells with ceramic separators, which also provide safe packaging, but these are extremely expensive and very seldom used.)

Clean, precision production processes on the part of the cell manufacturers: Torqeedo only uses cells sourced from reputable manufacturers in Japan and the USA.

Battery management system (BMS) with redundant safety features: unlike lead-based batteries, lithium batteries always need a BMS to perform balancing and safety functions. If electronic components of the BMS fail it can itself become a safety problem for the battery. For this reason, Torqeedo batteries are designed in such a way that a hardware fail-safe mechanism exists for each safety-related component. Incidentally, this is also stipulated in the automotive industry, in aerospace and for medical technology.

Waterproof to IP67: water in lithium batteries can lead to various problems such as corrosion of the BMS hardware or the creation of electrolytic gas. Lithium batteries on board a boat should therefore be waterproof.

Torqeedo doesn't use lithium polymer (LiPo) batteries because they do not meet our safety standards and could, for example, ignite significantly sooner in the event of overheating (burning lithium is very difficult to extinguish – flames can only be smothered with sand, through cooling or with a special fire extinguisher).

What batteries are suitable for the Cruise?

In principle, the Cruise R and Cruise T models can be operated with lead acid, lead gel, AGM or lithium-based batteries.We recommend the Torqeedo Power 26-104.

What voltage ranges can the motor cope with?

The Cruise 2.0 R/T operates with a nominal voltage of between 21 V and 30 V.The Cruise 4.0 R/T operates with a nominal voltage of between 42V and 59V.

Power 26-104

What does deep discharge protection mean? How does deep discharge protection work?

When the battery is switched off, the electronics go into deep sleep mode and thus require very little energy. This function is known as deep discharge protection. However, you still have to check your battery at regular intervals when it is in deep sleep mode since it is impossible to prevent the cells from auto-discharging owing to their chemical properties. Even if the battery discharges only very slowly in deep sleep mode, it will still require recharging.

Does the Power 26-104 switch off automatically?

No. The Power 26-104 has so far not switched off automatically as it can be used with other electrical devices such as lighting. It will only switch off automatically if total voltage falls below 21 V. The integrated function protection against deep discharge will then kick in, and prompt recharging will be necessary.

How can I check the charge level of the Power 26-104 when it is in storage, for example?

By connecting it to a Cruise R/T 2.0/4.0 and checking the charge level in the information displayed on the remote throttle or tiller. Measuring voltage manually is not an exact indicator of the charge level, but it is sufficient for determining whether recharging is necessary.

The battery should have a charge level of 20-40 % when stored over an extended period. Please check regularly to ensure that the current remains above 21 V in order to avoid deep discharge. Even if the battery is protected against deep discharge, it will continue to lose its charge during storage. The battery will suffer irreversible damage below approx. 14 V and can no longer be recharged. The optimum storage temperature is between 5° and 15° C.

How can I see whether the Power 26-104 is switched on or off?

By measuring the voltage. The battery is on if there is voltage.

Can I leave the charger attached during storage?

That would be no problem from a technical point of view but it is not advisable as it would cause the voltage to remain high, and the cells would age faster as a result.

Can Power 26-104 batteries be charged direct from a generator or a solar source?

There is a solar charge controller specially designed for the Power 26-104 that allows safe charging using a solar module available from specialist dealers. Never connect a generator direct to a Power 26-104. You can only use a generator via a Torqeedo 350 W or 1200 W charger. This would allow the Power 26-104 to be charged from a generator – it is not important for the charger what source is used to produce the required 100-240 V.

What happens when, for example, a fuel cell with only 100 watts falls below the 350 watts normally required by the Power charger?

Charging is no longer possible. The power source must have adequate capacity for the charger.

Solar chargers

Solar chargers

Does Torqeedo also supply solar chargers?

Yes. There are 3 different solar charger options for different Torqeedo batteries:

With the Torqeedo 45 W solar charger, the batteries of the Ultralight 403 or Travel 1003/503 models can be easily powered from natural resources wherever you are – even when you are travelling on the water and at full speed. You can even travel slowly when the battery is empty.

You can connect the 50 W solar charger to both Travel models. It is lighter, smaller and easier to handle than the 45 W solar charger. The high-performance solar cells can not only provide power for Travel batteries when you are on the move. They can also power all other 12 V electric devices.

There is a solar charge controller specially designed for the Power 26-104 that allows safe charging using a solar module available from specialist dealers.

Propellers

Propellers

The immersion depth of a propeller has a major influence on the efficiency of the drive. Measurements performed by Torqeedo have revealed differences of up to 10 % in overall efficiency, of up to 20 % in range and of up to 5 % in top speed depending on the immersion depth of the propeller.

The reason for the significant influence of the immersion depth of the propeller can be found in the importance of the boat's wake for the propeller. Generally speaking, propellers can achieve optimum levels of efficiency when they make best use of the boat's wake. The best position for this varies from boat to boat. A propeller usually achieves very good levels of efficiency at extremely slight immersion depths (as close to the water's surface as possible but deep enough to avoid drawing air). The general rule of thumb is that the top of the propeller should be 3-5 cm below the bottom of the boat. Irrespective of this, we recommend determining an efficient depth of immersion through trial and error. The easiest way to do this is to determine the maximum speed for various depths of immersion using our GPS-based on-board computer.

What are the benefits of a high-speed propeller and when would it be worth buying one?

Torqeedo has developed a high-speed propeller V30/p4000 that can be used in a particular with the Cruise 4.0 to get lighter boats planing. We were able to measure speeds of between 10 and 15 knots on various light test boats. Our Torqeedo Power series lithium batteries are normally required to supply the power in this case in order to keep the weigh of the boat down. Nevertheless, a number of customers have also achieved these speeds using AGM batteries and the twin installation of the Cruise 4.0 R.

The high-speed propeller can also be used for boats that require especially high thrust and low power. It should be noted that the motor may not reach its maximum power as it is operating at its torque limit. In our experience, however, speed is higher than with a standard propeller at the same power.

Boat skipper's licence

Boat skipper's licence

As previously announced, the reform of the boat skipper's licence came into force on 16/10/2012. Since then it has been possible to sail a sports with a motor providing up to 15 HP of propulsive power on inland and close coastal waters without a skipper's licence. Conditions/exceptions:

1. The skipper must be at least 16 years old. There is an exception in close coastal waters: children and young people below the age of 16 may continue to steer a sports boat with up to 5 HP of propulsive power (on the shaft). There is no minimum age limit but the parents' supervisory obligations remain.

2. The licence limit of 15 HP does not apply to the Rhine, public waters and Lake Constance. Here the limit remains 5 HP.

General

Torqeedo launched its first inboard – the Deep Blue i as 40 or 80 HP equivalent – in the 2014 season.

We would welcome any serious enquiry for flange or shaft motors with the corresponding volumes. Please contact us at info@torqeedo.com.

Can Torqeedo motors withstand salt water?

All current Torqeedo outboards are fully protected against immersion (IP67) and also suitable for travelling in salt water or in fresh water lakes.

Besides the systematic use of salt water-resistant materials (e.g. gold-plated connectors), we also observe the IP67 specification – which by definition lays down that motors as well as batteries must be able to withstand immersion at a depth of 1 metre for at least 30 minutes without suffering damage.

The motor must be rinsed with fresh water after any use in salt water or brackish water. Please spray the contacts with contact spray (e.g. WD-40 or Liquid Evolution Wet Protect Nautic). In addition, you should tilt the motor up out of the water or remove it completely.

Grease the threads of the clamping screws occasionally and spray the moving parts of the transom bracket with WD-40.

Is it possible to achieve twice the speed with two motors? How much faster can you travel with two of the same type of motors compared with one?

As a general principle, having two motors means that you double the thrust. This results in a dramatic improvement in the boat's responses when manoeuvring. Twin motors of course result in increased speed. The question is difficult to answer as the exact increase in speed depends on many additional factors besides the geometry of the boat.

By using two or more motors, you multiply the power but not necessarily the speed. In this instance an important factor is whether a displacement or planing boat is being propelled.

The hull speed is a theoretical maximum value for the maximum possible speed of a boat for displacement cruising. It is calculated approximately from the square root of the water line length of the boat in metres multiplied by a factor of 4.5 (result in kilometres per hour), 1.25 (result in metres per second) or 2.43 (result in knots):

The maximum speed for displacement cruising is thus clearly defined by the length.

The hull speed is exceeded when planing. Thanks to their hull design, planing boats are capable of lifting themselves out of the water as a result of strong propulsive power against the resistance of the water and planing over the water. The overwhelming proportion of the vessel mass is above the water line. Since the hull lifts itself out of the water, resistance through the bow wave decreases. Finally, when speed increases further the stern also begins to plane over the waves. In this instance, maximum speed depends on the shape of the hull, weigh distribution and the swell.

Are Torqeedo motors a genuine alternative to petrol engines?

Yes. They are quieter, more environmentally friendly, completely waterproof – and also more efficient. We'll have to go into detail to make this clear. One of the important indicators for an outboard is its overall efficiency. It indicates the proportion of input power used that is available as propulsive power after all losses are taken into account. Overall efficiency is one of the most important performance attributes for electric outboards that there are. As batteries only have a fraction of the energy density of petrol, battery capacity almost always limits the performance and range of an electric drive. Higher efficiency therefore means better utilisation of the battery bank and greater performance and range for the boat.

The overall efficiency for electric outboards and trolling motors ranges between 18 and 56 % – thus differing considerably by a factor of 3.

Overall efficiency is not such a key indicator of performance for petrol outboards as, owing to the high energy density of petrol, low efficiency can be offset by higher fuel consumption. The overall efficiency levels of small petrol outboards are therefore particularly poor and are generally in the range of around 5-10 %. That means that a massive 90-95 % of the petrol in the tank will be lost propelling the boat and only a negligible share reaches the boat's propeller in the form of propulsive power.

Torqeedo motors are the most efficient motors currently available. Their efficiency is twice as high as that of conventional electric boat motors.

Why is Torqeedo no. 1 when it comes to clean drive systems?

The most efficient drives in the world come from Torqeedo. And that's been the case since 2005.

Torqeedo's current range includes various outboards ranging from 1 to 80 HP, an inboard (Deep Blue i) as well as all sorts of functional and innovative accessories.

All our drive systems operate at record levels of overall efficiency, the most important measure for an electric motor since it determines potential power and range for a given battery supply. In addition, our performance in relation to motor weight is just as unique and impressive.

Like the manufacturers of commercial ships, we always refer to the propulsive power of our drive systems, i.e. the power that is actually delivered to propel the boat taking into account all losses, including those associated with the propeller. Propulsive power can be used to compare all motors with each other.

Power rating: static thrust (expressed in lbs or lbf)

Static thrust says something about the motor's ability to get the boat from a standstill up to a very slow speed. It says nothing about the motor's ability to propel the boat at normal speed – it is therefore unsuitable as an indication of power.

How is it possible to achieve several times the thrust with relatively little power?

The most meaningful performance indicator of a drive system is propulsive power, which indicates the performance actually delivered by the motor to move the boat, taking all losses, including propeller loss, into account. This method has been used in commercial shipping for nearly 100 years.

Our focus on optimising propulsive power and our use of the latest technologies means Torqeedo has the highest overall efficiency on the market. This means that every Torqeedo drive converts its available battery power to propulsive power better than any other motor. This is very important for electric drives because it means more power and range from limited battery capacity. The overall efficiency of Torqeedo drive systems is 44 – 56 %.

Propulsive power is an indicator of performance that, besides commercial shipping, only Torqeedo states. It is calculated from thrust x speed. It is expressed in HP or kW and includes all losses – including propeller loss – and therefore reflects the power actually delivered by a drive system.

Power rating: shaft power (expressed in HP or watts)

Shaft power is used as an indication of power for petrol outboards in a similar way to cars (torque x angular velocity). It is also expressed in HP or kW but does not take propeller loss into account, which can vary between 30 % and 80 %.

How can I tell whether I need the short-shaft or long-shaft version of a motor?

Measure the distance from the seat of the transom bracket to the water line. If this is about 40 cm, then the short shaft is recommended. If it measures approx. 52 cm, you need the long shaft.